Bantam Brahmas
I have had a few bantam Brahmas in my flock for years. After Covid, my bantam flock has increased considerably and I have started exhibiting. Particularly my darks and this year will be starting showing my lights.
Left is my first really good bantam dark cock from Canadian breeder/judge John Beamer.
At right is my first really good bantam light hen from Blue Hour Poultry.
Both are gone now, but have left their mark in the birds I produce today.
Bantam Brahmas are nearly as old as their large fowl counterparts, and are simply a miniaturized version. Feathered feet and all.
The bantams are less than 1/5 the size of the large fowl Brahmas and average around 2 pounds each. They are very winter hardy and with their fluffy down under plumage, feathered feet, and small, tight combs, are very resistant to frostbite in our harsh winters. To this day I have never had one get frostbite, nor lost one to cold weather.
If you love the Brahma temperament, but don't want to keep a breed so large due to feed cost or space, the bantams may be for you. They are very good layers of small eggs, which are often surprisingly large for bantam eggs, and I find them to be more reliable about laying through the winter than many breeds. Cost translates to one quater the feed for over one half the egg size of the large fowl, and more eggs. In my opinion, more than a fair trade.
At this time I have dark (silver partridge), partridge (gold) and light (silver) columbian varieties of which dark, light and black are recognized and showable through APA (American Poultry Association) sanctioned shows.
I find their mellow temperaments and sweet personalities quite endearing. A good breed to start with in your backyard flock, even with children.
Currently (spring 2024) I plan to have dark, light, and partridge bantam hatching eggs available. I will have a waiting list since I will also be hatching for myself.
At left is the dark pullet that won Best of Variety (BV) at the 150th Anniversary Ohio Nationals in November 2023.
It was my first time attending nationals and I entered 3 pullets and placed 1 (BV), 2 (RV) and 3rd in their variety.
They are not entirely where my goal is for this variety, but they are improving yearly. I was very happy with this recognition.
The pullet at the right is my favorite and took Reserve of Variety (RV) at the same nationals as the pullet above in 2023.
I am extremely happy with how this years offspring are looking, and improving type and penciling.
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